Cherie Lynn Rector

Cherie Lynn Egbert Rector

November 29, 1949-September 22, 2025

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of our beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, favorite aunt, educator, and friend, Cherie Lynn Egbert Rector, on September 22, 2025, at the age of 75, in Visalia, California.

Cherie was born on November 29, 1949, in Tulare, California, to Jack Curtis Egbert and Jewell Lenora Martin Egbert. She was the oldest of five daughters and best friends with her sisters Debra Wosnik (Richard), Wendy Brox (Tim), Mary Anne Loveless (Dan) and Holly Raphael (Randy).

Cherie married her high school sweetheart and best friend, John Jerrill Rector, on January 13, 1968. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Los Angeles California Temple. They were blessed with three sons-Darin (Danielle), Jonathan (Deanna), and Ben-who were the joy of her life. Her posterity grew to include cherished grandchildren: Devin, Dylan, Dawson, Dalton, Daxton, Zoey, Merysa, Jacob, Jackson, Joshua, and Jeslyn, as well as her great-grandsons Balthazar, and Johannes. She loved her family deeply and enjoyed spending her time with them.

Cherie was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings throughout her life. She served as Primary President, Relief Society President, and a temple worker, among other roles. Her most recent calling was as Relief Society Service Coordinator, in which she blessed countless lives through her compassion, generosity, and loving service.

Education was one of Cherie's greatest passions. She became a registered nurse and went on to earn advanced degrees, preparing her for a long and successful career in nursing and education. She loved working with children and families as a community health nurse. As a nursing professor she shared her love of nursing and community with her students. She retired from California State University, Bakersfield and was awarded Professor Emeritus Status, leaving behind a legacy of service and scholarship. In addition to teaching, Cherie authored a textbook that is used by nursing students across the country and internationally.

Beyond her devotion to family, faith, and career, Cherie had style and class and found joy in life's creative pursuits. She loved to garden, arrange flowers, paint, travel, learn, cook, and decorate, bringing beauty and warmth into the lives of all around her.

Cherie's Love for the Savior was manifested in a lifetime of compassionate service to those she crossed paths with. Whether it was healing, educating, or sharing of her substance, she gave selflessly. Her family rejoices in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge that families are eternal and looks forward with faith to a joyful reunion.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 4000 W. Caldwell Ave, Visalia, CA. Internment will be at Visalia Public Cemetery for family only.

For those wanting to make a tribute in Cherie's memory, they may do so by sending cut flowers for the funeral services, or by making a donation to the Western Institute of Nursing, or the American Kidney Foundation.

https://www.winursing.org/

https://www.kidneyfund.org/